Course Description, Requirements, Expectations

          The U.S. Government course will include basic structure of our federal government system, a citizen’s role within the democratic political process, and the study of our federal and state constitutions.  To be successful in this course, please come to class prepared.  Complete all assignments and required reading.  Your success is a team effort.  The most common reasons for students not doing well are absences.  Be prepared, complete all work, participate in class discussion and ask for help if needed.  We want you to be successful. 

Textbook:    Democracy in America

Grades:  School board policy mandates the following in determining each six-week’s grade. 
                                   Daily grades                               25%
                                   Tests, papers, major projects    75%

Calendar: A calendar and objectives will be provided for each unit.  It is your responsibility to keep up with the assignments noted.  This will be helpful in the event of an absence. 

Organization: Keep your syllabus, course guideline, calendar, and assignments handy in a notebook or folder.  Bring paper, pencil, pen, and your folder or notebook to class daily. 

Late work: No late work will be accepted.  Your calendar indicates due dates.  Please reference your calendar everyday.

Make-up work and tests:  You will be allowed 3 days to hand in make up work for work assigned while you were absent.  If it is a long term or major assignment, you will be expected to turn it in the day you return, no excuses.  You will be allowed one week to make up major tests.  Make up of daily work and tests are for excused absences only.

Six-week Optional Tests: Students will be offered a comprehensive six weeks test at the end of each six weeks.  This test may be used to replace a low test grade, but it cannot be used to replace a zero, a Culminating Assessment Project (CAP), or the Bill Assignment in the Mock Congress.  Our intent is to give you a second chance to demonstrate that you have mastered the material.  This test will not be counted against you.  It will only be used to replace a test grade lower than your optional test grade.

Tutorials:  Your teacher is available when needed.  Check with your teacher if you need to make an appointment. 

Make Up Day:  Make-up day is every Wednesday.  Times and room numbers will be posted in every government classroom.

YOU ARE SENIORS!  PLEASE REMEMBER THE CLASS RULES!

• Be ready to begin class when the bell rings.

• Raise your hand to be recognized before speaking out in class.

• Follow the school guidelines for appropriate dress.

• Personal grooming will not be allowed in class.

• No food or drinks are permitted in the classroom!